With the holiday season approaching and the text/email scams that come with it. We wanted to remind you that Pastor Sean, Ericka and Joy Lutheran Church will never email or text you asking for money, gift cards, or favors. Please take caution during the holidays and every day!

Blessings,

Pastor Sean & Ericka

Mary is described as “blessed among women” (Luke 1:28). She is neither wealthy nor powerful, and yet she is chosen to bear God’s child. Her story begins with blessedness, and so does ours, for the prophet Isaiah declares that we are claimed by a God who calls our name. We are a blessing because we belong to God. When blessedness is our beginning, we begin to see the world—and others—through the eyes of a God who says: “You are precious in my sight” (Isaiah 43:4).

Learn More About our Advent & Christmas Theme

• Presider: Pastor Sean Avery
• Assisting Minister: Jim H.
• Readers: Nancy D. & Hazel S.
• Pianist: Kathy H.
• Altar Care: Scooter B.
• Communion Assistant: Karen J. 
• Acolyte: Jasper S.
• Ushers: Mark S. & Shontelle S.

*Bold and underlined names are unconfirmed volunteers

• Presider: Pastor Sean Avery
• Assisting Minister: AbieLiz L.
• Readers: Henry H. & AbieLiz L.
• Pianist: Kathy H.
• Altar Care: Wayne R.
• Communion Assistant: Jan O. 
• Acolyte: Jack S.
• Ushers: Lois L. & Becky A.

We are always looking for volunteers, if you are called to serve in any way please contact Ericka at joylutheran@gmail.com for more information.

*Bold and underlined names are unconfirmed volunteers

Advent begins this year on Sunday, Dec. 1, so we'll need your help in putting up the big tree on Saturday, Nov. 30. Coffee will be on at 9am. We'll bring out the rest of the Christmas decorations, too; then add the ornaments and finish up on Sunday after the service.  Please note: There will be NO Saturday Work Group in December - this will take its place.

Open on the first Sunday of each month 1-3pm.

We are currently in need of boys and girls size 5 (pants and shirts)  Thank you all for your donations and help serving our community in this way, you are a huge part of the success of our ministry. 

Join us as we come together as a community to paint an Advent Mural. The full mural will be reavealed on Christmas Eve. 

THEMED PAINT NIGHTS:

• Every Sunday in Advent after worship.
• Wednesdays @7pm Midweek Soup & Painting after Vespers.
• December 6th @6pm  Family Paint Night (pizza and hot chocolate provided).
• December 18th @10am Cofee & Painting for those with Vintage Vibes.

Pastor Sean and Pastor Marcia will be offering a time of prayer to prepare for worship. We will meet in the sanctuary by the candle-lighting station. We will be using the meditation practice of Centering Prayer.

Please join us at 8:45am-9:15am and see how the Spirit moves!

Do you have  photos from events/minstries from Joy in 2024?? 

We would love to share your photos in our ministry packet. You can email them to: pastorseanavery@gmail.com or joylutheran@gmail.com

If you like to tithe with an offering envelope, the new 2025 envelopes are located in the narthex on the counter near the tv. 

Join us after worship for our church wide brunch following worship. All are welcome!

Please note that on Church Brunch Sundays there is not Sunday School (2nd sunday of each month)

Confirmation is a three-year program equipping young teenagers to engage more fully in their faith and say "yes" to God's good work in them. Students will study scripture and reflect with the pastor, youth leaders, and other adults in the congregation, learn about the Lutheran perspective on Christian faith, engage in service projects, and learn more about worship practices. 

At the end of the three years, students have the opportunity to affirm their baptism before the congregation  and then we throw a party to celebrate God's work of love and grace in their lives!

**Please note that there is no Confirmation on Church Brunch Sundays (2nd Sunday of each month)

Holy Grounds is a weekly gathering of high school youth at Jitters Café with Pastor Sean and other adult youth leaders. It’s an opportunity for fellowship, peer support, and faith formation before school hours over beverages at no cost to youth.

Please consider supporting this ministry with prayer and donations to cover the cost of beverages. 

Holy Grounds follows the ASD calendar, if there is no school on Monday, Holy Grounds does not meet. Please see the EVENTS page for up to date meetings. 

 Visit our website for information about our book club, including book titles, a full list of dates and locations.

Please join us!

Please contact the office on 907-694-9601 if you would like any more information.

Take part in Joy's newest group, Knit's of Joy, to knit and crochet much needed cold weather gear as well as prayer shawls for those who are sick or recovering. We will meet once a month (not mandatory) at the church to pray together and create beautiful items for our community. Annoucements will be made as to the date and time, as well as monthly themes.

If you have any questions click the Contact Laura button and she will reach out to you.

Community Meetings that take place here at Joy Lutheran Church. For more information please visit our website.

Narcotics Anonymous

Alcoholics Anonymous 

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

• Alexis (Trudi's granddaughter, for strength for her studies)
• Layli (Trudi's granddaughter, for good decision making)
• People of Kotzebue (recovering from severe flooding)
• Dave Mitton (recovering from surgery)
• Kent & Victoria Rush, Wayne’s brother and sister-in-law (Kent is fighting cancer again.)
• Hegna Family (as they grieve the loss of Jonny).
• Julie Meyer (facing the uncertainty after suffering a stroke)
• Justin Dailey (Chris Dailey’s brother, for continued strength and healing)
• Bentson family (as they grieve the loss of Al Bentson)
• Reimer & Oistad family (as they grieve the loss of Gary)
• Lai Ming Reimer (as she recovers from a successful kidney transplant)
• Diana Flaherty (for pain and healing)
• Lisa Lind (healing, friend of Kristi Swain)
• Dick Prien and family (as they mourn the passing of Sharon)
• Stella Scamman (Kristi Swain’s aunt)
• Margie H. (for healing and recovery)
• Corrine Finnie (healing)
• Gwendolyn Roth (peace of mind and that she will know God is with her)
• Tom Clark (healing)
• For all military members and their families, especially those serving in Alaska and our veterans.

Online: To sign up visit joy-lutheran.com/give

Cash/Check: You can place cash or check into the offering plate or send by mail.

Text-to-Give: Text "Give" to: (833) 685-5023

Joy Lutheran App: Coming Soon

Fred Meyer Community Rewards: Fred Meyer Community Rewards - Non Profit Organization BV101 Joy is enrolled in Fred Meyer's Community Rewards Program. You can link your Rewards Card to donate to Joy at www.fredmeyer.com/communityrewards. Link your Fred Meyer Rewards Card to Joy Lutheran Church to earn a donation from Fred Meyer. If you do not have a Rewards Card, you can sign up for one at the Customer Service Desk of any Fred Meyer store.